Abisola Barber | Barclays

With a keen interest in Politics & Current Affairs, Abisola began her career at age 11, working alongside Local and UK Government, Metropolitan Police and others to ensure young people were included at the decision-making table. For over six years, Abisola sat on Government boards driving social change and inspiring others to make a difference. Abisola maintained her six AS and A-Level subjects whilst representing the organisations she supported to the UK National Media.

Whilst reading Philosophy, Politics & Economics at University of York, Abisola worked for the University’s Student Union, served on college student committees and partook in a range of societies – from Academia and Music to Sports. Abisola was selected by Google out of 200 applicants to attend their BOLD (Building Opportunities for Leadership & Development) programme in 2011; later returning to Google as her University’s Ambassador. Abisola additionally attended Spring Week and Work Experience placements at a range of Financial Services firms, including Blackrock and Goldman Sachs.

Graduating with an Upper Second Class in 2013, Abisola spent her summer on the Barclays Internship programme before commencing her MSc in International Public Policy at UCL. Completing her Master’s two months early and Passing with Merit, Abisola joined Barclays’ 2014 Graduate cohort. Holding two placements on the scheme in both the Corporate and Investment Bank, Abisola then made an impressive mark as a Project Manager whilst in Barclays’ Non-Core division, which truly escalated her career. Abisola currently works as a Trading Business Manager, supporting the division responsible for driving returns and managing Barclays International’s financial resources. At only 25 years of age, Abisola is seen as a trailblazer, with a long and fruitful career ahead of her.

Away from her desk, Abisola gives herself to her pastimes. With a love of sports and fitness, she is often found in the gym, on the Netball courts or fundraising fitness events for charities. Having trained in Classical Music whilst at school, Abisola maintains her passion for choral music, singing annually at the Royal Albert Hall and performing with her Church choir – and finds relaxation in attending dance classes and performances. Known for her “contagious enthusiasm towards everything she puts her mind to”, Abisola is a firm believer in living life to the full, using the skills and talents she’s been blessed with, and making the most of every opportunity!